TW202013830A - Magnetic connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system comprises: an aerosol-generating device for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising a rechargeable power source; a charging unit electrically connectable to the aerosol-generating device to supply power to the aerosol-generating device for recharging the rechargeable power source; and an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises: a first connector part and a second connector part, releasably electrically connectable to the first connector part. The first connector part comprises: a plurality of electrical contacts; and a first magnetic element. The second connector part comprises: a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is a resilient contact that is actuable between an extended position and a depressed position and is biased to return to the extended position; and a second magnetic element. The aerosol-generating device comprises one of the first and second connector parts and the charging unit comprises the other one of the first and second connector parts. The first and second connector parts are positionable in a first connection position, wherein: the at least one resilient contact of the second connector part is in the extended position; the first connector part is arranged in contact with the at least one resilient contact; the first and second magnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other, and the force of the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the force required to move the at least one resilient contact from the extended position to the depressed position.

Description

Magnetic connector

The invention relates to an electrically operated aerosol generating system. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrically operated aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and a charging unit. The invention relates to an electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generating system.

Electrically operated aerosol generating systems generally include an aerosol-forming substrate and an atomizer, which are operated to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Generally, electrically operated aerosol generating systems also include an aerosol generating device, which includes a power supply that supplies power to the atomizer. The atomizer may be an electric heater.

In some systems, the aerosol-generating device is configured to contain an aerosol-generating article that contains a solid aerosol-generating matrix, such as an aggregated curled tobacco sheet. In some systems, the device typically includes an atomizer that is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is contained in the device. The article may also contain a filter, which is wrapped in a rod-like form with the aerosol-forming substrate, similar to a traditional cigarette. In other systems, the device is configured to contain a cigarette case containing an atomizer and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Such a cigarette case is often called a cartomiser. The types of atomizers commonly used in atomizing cigarette cases include heating coils, which are wound on a long-shaped cigarette core immersed in a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Some electrically operated aerosol generating systems include a charging unit for charging the power source of the electrically operated aerosol generating device. The charging unit may include a housing, a rechargeable power source placed in the housing, and a cavity containing an electrically operated aerosol generating device. Usually the charging unit is portable and can be carried by the user together with the device to extend the operating time of the device.

It is desirable to improve the speed and ease with which users can electrically connect the aerosol generating device to the charging unit. It is also desirable to provide an electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generating system that enables the aerosol generating device to be electrically connected to a charging unit, and a charging unit that has any orientation in the device and charging unit and in the user's Maintain electrical connection during vibration caused by normal movement. It is also desirable to provide a means to improve the electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system, comprising: an aerosol generating device for containing an aerosol-forming substrate and generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device includes a rechargeable power supply, a A charging unit electrically connected to the aerosol generating device to supply power to the aerosol generating device to charge the rechargeable power source, and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion that is releasably electrically connected to the first connector portion. The first connector portion includes: a plurality of electrical contacts; and a first magnetic element. The second connector portion includes: a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is an elastic contact that can be actuated between the extended position and the depressed position and biased to return to the extended position ; And the second magnetic element. The aerosol generating device includes one of the first and second connector parts and the charging unit includes the other of the first and second connector parts. The first and second connector portions can be positioned in the first coupling position, wherein: the at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is in the extended position; the first connector portion is configured to contact the at least one elastic contact ; The first and second magnetic elements magnetically attract each other, and the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the force required to move the at least one elastic contact from the extended position to the depressed position.

The at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion enables the first and second connector portions to maintain electrical connection along a range of positions along the travel length of the at least one elastic contact between the extended and depressed positions. The travel length of the at least one elastic contact may be any suitable distance between the extended and depressed positions. The travel length of the at least one elastic joint between the extended and depressed positions may be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.3 mm. The travel length of the at least one elastic contact between the extended and depressed positions may be between about 0.1 mm and about 1.5 mm, between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 0.7 mm .

The at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is biased to return to the extended position. When the at least one elastic contact is pressed by the first connector portion from the extended position toward the pressed position, the at least one elastic contact exerts a biasing force on the first connector portion in the direction of the extended position. The first and second magnetic elements are configured to provide a magnetic attraction force between the first and second connector portions, which acts in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the at least one elastic contact. When the first and second connector portions are in the first coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the force required to move the at least one elastic contact from the extended position to the depressed position. Advantageously, when the first and second connector parts are in the first coupling position, such magnetic attraction can overcome the biasing force of the at least one elastic contact and attract the first and second connector parts together. In other words, when the first and second connector portions are in the first coupling position, the first and second connector portions tend to attract each other through magnetic attraction, and the at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion extends from The position is pressed down by the first connector portion toward the pressed position.

Advantageously, when the user moves the aerosol generating device and the charging unit into electrical engagement, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is when the first and second connector portions are engaged at the first coupling position And when the at least one elastic contact is pushed down from the extended position toward the pressing position, the user will not feel the biasing force from the at least one elastic contact. In other words, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements in the first connection position is large enough to hide or cover the biasing force of the at least one elastic contact without being brought to the electricity by the aerosol generating device and the charging unit Linked users feel.

When the first and second connector portions are in the first coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements can be of any suitable magnitude. When the first and second connector parts are in the first connecting position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be at least 0.1 Newton, at least 0.15 Newton or at least 0.2 Newton, at least 0.5 Newton, at least 1 Newton or At least 1.5 Newtons. When the first and second connector parts are in the first coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be at least 0.15 Newton. When the first and second connector parts are in the first connecting position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be between about 0.1 Newton and about 10 Newton, and between about 0.5 Newton and about 5 Newton Or between about 1.5 Newton and about 4.0 Newton.

In some preferred embodiments, the first and second connector portions may be further positioned in the second connection position, wherein: at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector portion is electrically connected to the second connection At least one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the device portion; the first and second magnetic elements magnetically attract each other; and the at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is in the depressed position.

When the first and second connector portions are disposed in the second coupling position, the at least one elastic contact at the depressed position applies a biasing force to the first connector portion. In some embodiments, when the first and second connector parts are disposed in the second coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the at least one elastic contact applied to the first connector Department of bias. Such magnetic attraction force ensures that the biasing force of the at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion cannot force the first and second connectors away from the second connection position.

In some preferred embodiments, when the first and second connector portions are in the second connecting position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the weight of the aerosol generating device. Such magnetic attraction ensures that the first and second connector portions can be maintained in the second coupling position regardless of the orientation of the system.

When the first and second connector portions are not electrically joined, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements will attract the first and second connector portions together into the electrical engagement. Advantageously, this provides a degree of self-alignment and self-bonding to the first and second connector portions, facilitating electrical bonding. This can further improve the speed and ease with which the user can electrically connect the device and the charging unit. When the first and second connector parts are electrically connected, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements increases the force required to partially separate the first and second connectors. Advantageously, this essentially prohibits or prevents the first and second connector parts from becoming unintentionally separated, for example via vibration and rotation during transportation.

When the first and second connector portions are in the second coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements can be of any suitable magnitude. When the first and second connector parts are in the second coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be at least 0.5 Newton, at least 1 Newton, at least 1.5 Newton, at least 2 Newton, at least 3 Newton or At least 4 Newtons. When the first and second connector parts are in the second coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be at least 1 Newton. When the first and second connector parts are in the second coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be between about 0.5 Newton and about 10 Newton, between about 1 Newton and about 5 Newton Or between about 1.5 Newton and about 4 Newton. When the first and second connector parts are in the second coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be between about 1.5 Newtons and about 4 Newtons.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second magnetic elements may form one or more of the electrical contacts of the first and second connector parts. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion include a first magnetic element. In an embodiment where the magnetic material does not form one of the electrical contacts, the magnetic material can be electrically isolated from the electrical contacts of the connector portion. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second magnetic elements includes a permanent magnet. In some preferred embodiments, the second magnetic element of the second connector portion includes a permanent magnet.

As used herein, "magnetic element" is used to describe an element that contains magnetic material. As used herein, the term "magnetic material" is used to describe materials that can interact with a magnetic field, including paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials. The magnetizable material may be a paramagnetic material, so that it remains magnetized only in the presence of an external magnetic field. Alternatively, the magnetizable material may be a material (eg, ferromagnetic material) that can become magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field and remain magnetized after the external magnetic field is removed. The term "magnetic material" here covers both magnetizable materials as well as materials that have been magnetized.

At least one of the first and second magnetic elements may include an alloy of neodymium, such as neodymium, iron, and boron. In other words, at least one of the first and second magnetic elements may be a neodymium magnet. At least one of the first and second magnetic elements may include ferromagnetic stainless steel, such as SS430 stainless steel.

"Electrical contact" or "electrical engagement" is used herein to describe the electrical connection between the first and second connector portions, which allows current to flow between the first and second connector portions.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to produce an aerosol that the user can directly inhale into the lungs through the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol-forming matrix to promote the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generating device can function with an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate or a cigarette case containing an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrically operated aerosol generating system may include an atomizer such as an electric heater to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming article" refers to an article that contains an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, the volatile compounds may form an aerosol.

As used herein, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "proximal", and "distal" are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of the aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, and charging unit .

As used herein, "longitudinal" is used here to describe the direction between the downstream, proximal or mouth end and the opposite upstream or distal end, and the term "transverse" is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension between the distal or upstream and proximal or downstream ends of the assembly, aerosol generating device, aerosol generating article, and charging unit.

As used herein, the term "diameter" is used to describe the maximum lateral dimensions of components, aerosol-generating devices, aerosol-generating articles, and charging units.

As used herein, the term "cross-section" is used to describe the assembly, aerosol generating device, aerosol generating article and charging unit are perpendicular to the main axis along the assembly, aerosol generating device, aerosol generating article and charging unit, respectively Direction profile.

The first and second magnetic elements can be of any suitable shape. For example, the first and second magnetic elements may be substantially circular, oval, or square. The first and second magnetic elements may have the same shape. The first and second magnetic elements may have different shapes. The first and second magnetic elements may be substantially ring-shaped. The first and second magnetic elements may include ring-shaped, ring-shaped or tubular magnetic elements. It is advantageous to provide a ring-shaped, ring-shaped or tubular magnetic element, because the ring-shaped body or the tube body may contain a central passage through which the electrical connector can pass to connect one or more electrical contacts of the connector part to the device or The power supply of the charging unit.

The first magnetic element may be arranged at any suitable position on the first connector portion. The first magnetic element may include a body of the magnetic element configured substantially behind the electrical contacts of the first connector portion. In other words, one or more of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion may stack the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element may include one or more bodies of magnetic elements disposed between or around the electrical contacts of the second connection portion. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion may include a first magnetic element.

The second magnetic element may be arranged at any suitable position on the second connector portion. The second magnetic element may include one body of the magnetic element configured substantially behind the electrical contacts of the connector portion of the charging unit. In other words, one or more of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion may stack the second magnetic element. One or more of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion may include a second magnetic element. The second magnetic element may include one or more bodies of magnetic elements disposed between or around the electrical contacts of the second connection portion. In some preferred embodiments, the second magnetic element may include two bodies of magnetic material disposed on opposite sides of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion, such that the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are disposed on the magnetic material Between the two subjects. The two bodies of the magnetic material may be substantially arc-shaped and have the same or similar curvature as the third electrical contact of the first connector portion.

The electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions can be any suitable type of electrical contacts. The electrical contact can be a pin-type contact. Pin-type contacts can extend or protrude outward from a surface, and are generally substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface. The pin-type contact can be an elastic pin-type contact or a "single-pin spring pin (pogo pin)" contact. In other words, the pin-type contacts can be elastic or spring-loaded contacts. At least one of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion is an elastic pin type contact. The electrical contacts can be chip contacts. The chip-type contacts may be substantially on or in a plane or extend on or along a surface. These electrical contacts can be provided on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, all electrical contacts are all electrical contacts of the same type. In other embodiments, the electrical contacts may include different types of electrical contacts. The electrical contact of the first connector portion may include one type of electrical contact, and the electrical contact of the second connector portion may include a different type of electrical contact.

In some preferred embodiments, the electrical contacts of the first connector portion are chip-type electrical contacts. In other words, in general, the electrical contacts of the first connector portion are substantially on or in a plane or on or along a surface of the first connector portion. In some preferred embodiments, the first connector portion includes one or more surfaces, and each of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion is substantially on one of the one or more surfaces of the first connector portion Or extend along the surface. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the first connector portion may extend substantially on or in the same plane. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the first connector portion may extend in different planes.

The electrical contacts of the first connector portion can be arranged in any suitable configuration. In some specific embodiments, the first connector portion includes a substantially circular surface, and the first electrical contact of the first connector portion is configured to be located substantially on the center of the circular surface. In some specific embodiments, the second and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion are configured to surround the first electrical contact. Generally, the second and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion are spaced radially outward from the first electrical contact. In some embodiments, the second and third electrical contacts may be separated from the first electrical contact by the same distance. In some embodiments, the third electrical contact may be further away from the first electrical contact than the second electrical contact.

The plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector portion may be circularly symmetrical about one axis of the first connector portion. The plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the plurality of electrical contacts of the second connector portion may be around any axis of the first connector portion relative to the second connector portion at the first connector portion Oriented to be electrically connectable.

The first electrical contact of the first connector portion may be substantially circular. In some embodiments, the second and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion are substantially ring-shaped. In other words, each of the second and third electrical contacts may form a ring that substantially surrounds the first electrical contact. The second and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion may form a concentric circle surrounding the first electrical contact.

In some preferred embodiments, the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin-type electrical contacts. In other words, the electrical contacts of the second connector portion generally extend outward from a plane or surface of the second connector portion, and are generally substantially perpendicular to the plane or surface. The second connector portion includes one or more surfaces, and each of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion extends vertically from one of the one or more surfaces of the second connector portion.

In some embodiments, all electrical contacts of the second connector portion are elastic contacts. The elastic electrical contacts can advantageously help maintain a reliable electrical connection between the first and second connector parts when the first and second connector parts are electrically engaged and subject to vibration and small movements caused by the user's movement .

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first electrical connector portion includes a face and a recess disposed substantially in the center of the face, the recess having a closed end, an open end on the face, and between the open end and the closed end Extended side wall. The first of the plurality of electrical contacts can be arranged at the closed end of the recess. The second of the plurality of electrical contacts may be disposed on the side wall of the recess and substantially surround the first electrical contact. The third of the plurality of electrical contacts may be disposed on the surface and substantially surround the first electrical contact.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the second connector portion includes a surface and a protrusion configured to be located substantially in the center of the surface, the protrusion having an end surface and extending between the surface and the end surface of the protrusion Sidewall. The first of the plurality of electrical contacts may be arranged on the end surface of the protrusion. The second of the plurality of electrical contacts may be disposed on at least one side wall of the protrusion. The third of the plurality of electrical contacts can be arranged on this surface. The third of the plurality of electrical contacts may be a flexible pin type contact. The first of the plurality of electrical contacts can also be a flexible pin contact. The second of the plurality of electrical contacts may be an elastic contact. The second connector portion may include a pair of third electrical contacts disposed on opposite sides of the face. Each of the pair of third electrical contacts may be an elastic pin type contact.

In these particularly preferred embodiments, the first and second connector portions can be electrically joined by inserting the protruding portion of the second connecting portion into the recess of the first connecting portion. When the first and second connector portions are electrically joined: the first electrical contact of the second connector portion, which is on the end surface of the protruding portion, can electrically engage the first electrical contact of the first connector portion, which is At the closed end of the recess; the second electrical contact of the second connector portion, which is on the side wall of the protruding portion, can electrically engage the second electrical contact of the first connector portion, which is on the side wall of the recess; and The third electrical contact of the second connector portion is in a substantial plane, and the third electrical contact of the first connector portion can be electrically engaged in a substantial plane.

In these particularly preferred embodiments, the recesses and protrusions of the first and second connector portions may be substantially circular cylindrical. This allows the first and second connector parts to freely rotate relative to each other about the axis of the recess and the protrusion. This allows the first and second connector portions to be electrically engaged regardless of the angular position of the first connector portion compared to the second connector portion.

The second electrical contact of the second connector part arranged on the side wall of the protruding part can be tightly fitted in the concave part of the first connector part, for example, by friction or interference fit, to cooperate with the first connector part. The two electrical contacts realize reliable electrical bonding on the side wall of the recess. The second electrical contact and recess of the second connector portion may be configured such that when the protruding portion is received in the recess and the first and second connector portions are electrically joined, the second electrical contact of the second connector portion The snap fit is in the recess.

The recess may have any suitable shape and size. The recess may be substantially cylindrical. The recess may have a substantially circular cross-section. The diameter of the recess is smaller than the diameter of the face. The diameter of the recess may be equal to or less than 75% of the diameter of the face or equal to or less than about 50% of the diameter of the face.

The protrusion may have any suitable shape and size. The protrusion may be substantially cylindrical. The protrusion may have a substantially circular cross-section. The diameter of the protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the face. The diameter of the protrusion may be equal to or less than 75% of the diameter of the face or equal to or less than about 50% of the diameter of the face.

In some embodiments, the junction between the end face of the protrusion and the side wall may be inclined, chamfered, or chamfered to facilitate the positioning of the protrusion in the recess of the first connector portion.

The second connector portion may include a body on which the electrical contact is mounted. The protrusion may be integrally formed with the main body or may be a separate component fixed to the main body portion.

The aerosol generating device may have a proximal end and a distal end relative to the proximal end. The proximal end may be the end of the aerosol generated by the user on the aerosol generating device that the user aspirates to inhale. Accordingly, the proximal end can also be called the mouth end. One of the first and second connector parts may be disposed at the distal end of the aerosol generating device. One of the first and second connector parts may be disposed on the distal end surface of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include the first or second connector portion at the distal end of the device. The aerosol generating device may include the first or second connector portion on the distal face of the device.

The charging unit may include a cavity for receiving at least one distal end of the aerosol generating device. The charging unit may include the first or second connector part at the distal end of the cavity.

When the distal end of the aerosol generating device is accommodated in the distal end of the cavity of the charging unit, the first and second connector parts may be disposed in the second connection position.

In some preferred embodiments: the aerosol generating device includes the first or second connector portion at the distal end of the device; the charging unit includes a cavity for receiving at least one distal portion of the aerosol generating device, the first and The other of the second connector parts is disposed at the distal end of the cavity; and when the distal end of the aerosol generating device is accommodated at the distal end of the cavity of the charging unit, the first and second connector parts may be provided at the In the second link position.

In these preferred embodiments, when the first and second contacts are in the first connection position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements may be greater than between the aerosol generating device and the cavity of the charging unit The combination of friction and the biasing force required to actuate at least one elastic contact between the extended position and the depressed position.

The aerosol generating device has one of the first connector part and the second connector part and the charging unit has the other one of the first connector part and the second connector part. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a first connector part and the charging unit may include a second connector part. Advantageously, since the electrical contacts of the second connector portion include at least one elastic contact, placing the second connector on the charging unit can substantially protect at least one elastic contact from damage.

In embodiments where the device includes a connector portion on the distal face, the first magnetic element may be disposed at the proximal end of the connector portion in the device. In some preferred embodiments where the device includes a connector portion on the distal face, at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion may include a first magnetic element.

In the case where the charging unit includes a cavity and the connector portion of the charging unit is disposed at the closed end of the cavity, the first and second magnetic elements may be configured such that the magnetic north and south poles of the magnetic element and the longitudinal axis of the cavity are substantially alignment. This allows the magnetic retention means to help attract the aerosol generating device into the cavity and position the first and second connector parts in electrical engagement.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the first and second magnetic elements includes a permanent magnet.

In some embodiments, one of the first and second magnetic elements includes a plurality of permanent magnets. In some preferred embodiments, the second magnetic element includes a plurality of permanent magnets.

In some preferred embodiments, one of the first and second magnetic elements includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet. The first and second permanent magnets may be separated in the middle of the connector part. In some of these embodiments, the magnetic north and south poles of the first permanent magnet may be arranged in the same direction as the magnetic north and south poles of the second permanent magnet. In some preferred embodiments, the magnetic north and south poles of the first permanent magnet and the magnetic north and south poles of the second permanent magnet may be arranged in opposite directions. In these preferred embodiments, when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are disposed at the first and second connection positions, and the first and second permanent magnets are magnetically connected to the magnetic element of the other connector portion When a magnetic circuit is in, a magnetic circuit can be formed.

As used herein, "magnetic circuit" refers to the magnetic connection between two permanent magnets, allowing magnetic field lines to pass from one magnetic element to another. When the first and second connector parts are in the first and second coupling positions, magnetic field lines can pass from the first permanent magnet to the second permanent magnet through the magnetic elements of the other connector parts.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the second connector portion includes first and second permanent magnets.

As used herein, reference to the "direction" of the magnetic north and south poles of a magnet is used to refer to the direction of the magnetic field lines produced by the magnet.

As used herein, a reference to the "magnetic polarity" of a portion of a magnet refers to the magnetic pole, such as the north or south pole of the magnet.

In an embodiment where one of the first and second magnetic elements includes a plurality of permanent magnets, each permanent magnet may include a body extending between two opposite ends. Each end of the body may have a magnetic north and south pole. The direction of the magnetic north-south pole at the first end may be arranged in the opposite direction to the magnetic north-south pole at the opposite end of the body. The body may have a length extending between the two opposite ends, and the magnetic north and south poles at each end may be configured substantially perpendicular to the length of the body. In the case where a plurality of permanent magnets are provided in the second connector, the direction of the magnetic north and south poles at each end of each permanent magnet may be parallel to the direction in which the elastic contact travels between the extended position and the depressed position.

In other words, the body of each of the plurality of permanent magnets may have an upper side and a lower side relative to the upper side, the upper and lower sides extending the length of the body between the two opposite ends. The upper side of the first end may have a first magnetic polarity and the lower side of the first end may have a second magnetic polarity opposite to the first magnetic polarity. The magnetic north and south poles at the first end have a first direction perpendicular to the length of the body. The upper side of the second end (relative to the first end) may have a second magnetic polarity which is opposite to the upper side of the first end. The lower side of the second end may have a first magnetic polarity, which is the opposite polarity to the upper side of the second end. The magnetic north and south poles at the second end have a second direction perpendicular to the length of the body and opposite to the first direction.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the second connector includes a second magnetic element that includes two permanent magnets. Each permanent magnet has a body extending between two opposite ends. Each permanent magnet has a first end with magnetic north and south poles having a first direction, and a second end with magnetic north and south poles having a second direction opposite to the first direction. The two permanent magnets may be arranged in the second connector part so that each of the permanent magnets receives a magnetic repulsive force from the other permanent magnet.

Each of the permanent magnets may have a first end face at the first end and a second end face at the second end. The first end surface and the second end surface may be configured to be substantially parallel to each other. In these embodiments, the first and second magnetic elements may be substantially arc-shaped. The first and second end faces can be substantially on a plane.

In some embodiments, two arc-shaped permanent magnets may be arranged in the second connector portion such that: the first end face of the first permanent magnet directly opposes the second end face of the second permanent magnet; and the first The two end faces directly oppose the first end face of the second permanent magnet. In the case where the first and second magnets are arc-shaped, the first and second possessing magnets may form a substantially ring-shaped magnetic structure. The two permanent magnets can be spaced apart so that a gap is provided between the opposing faces of the permanent magnets. The first and second permanent magnets may substantially surround the electrical contacts of the second connector portion.

The first end surface of the first permanent magnet may have magnetic north and south poles facing the same direction as the magnetic north and south poles of the second end surface of the second permanent magnet. The second end face of the first permanent magnet may have magnetic north and south poles facing the same direction as the magnetic north and south poles of the first end face of the second permanent magnet. In other words, the first end face of the first permanent magnet and the second end face of the second permanent magnet are configured to repel each other. Similarly, the second end face of the first permanent magnet and the first end face of the second permanent magnet are configured to repel each other.

This configuration can further increase the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic element of the first connector portion and the second magnetic element of the second connector portion when the first and second connector portions are in the first and second connection positions.

To describe the configuration in another way, the first end face of the first permanent magnet opposes the second end face of the second permanent magnet and the second end face of the first permanent magnet opposes the first end face of the second permanent magnet. The first end face of the first permanent magnet magnetically repels the second end face of the second permanent magnet and the second end surface of the first permanent magnet magnetically repels the first end face of the second permanent magnet. The upper side of the first end face of the first permanent magnet and the upper side of the second end face of the second permanent magnet have the same magnetic polarity. The lower side of the first end face of the first permanent magnet and the lower side of the second end face of the second permanent magnet have the same magnetic polarity, which is the same as the upper side of the first end face of the first permanent magnet and the second end face of the second permanent magnet The magnetic polarity on the upper side is reversed. The upper side of the second end surface of the first permanent magnet and the upper side of the first end surface of the second permanent magnet have the same magnetic polarity, which is the same as the upper side of the first end surface of the first permanent magnet and the upper side of the second end surface of the second permanent magnet The magnetic polarity is reversed. The lower side of the second end face of the first permanent magnet and the lower side of the first end face of the second permanent magnet have the same polarity, which is the same as the upper side of the second end face of the first permanent magnet and the first end face of the second permanent magnet The polarity on the upper side is reversed.

The first and second permanent magnets may be arranged in the housing of the second connector part. The housing of the second connector portion can maintain the separation of the first and second magnetic elements. The housing of the second connector portion prevents the magnetic repulsion between the first and second permanent magnets from pushing away the permanent magnets.

In some alternative embodiments, the first and second permanent magnets may be configured to attract magnetically.

At least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit, deliver, or supply power from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device. For example, the first electrical contact of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit power from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device. In particular, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit power from the power source of the charging unit to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device.

At least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to at least one of the aerosol generating device and from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector parts may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device. For example, the second electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transfer data from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector parts may be configured to transmit data from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit.

At least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may also be configured to be grounded. For example, the third electrical contact of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to be connected to ground.

The first and second connector parts of the present invention may be configured to transmit power from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device and at least one of transmitting data from the charging unit to the device and transmitting data from the device to the charging unit. Advantageously, this allows the device to contain only a single electrical connector portion. Compared with a device having a plurality of electrical connector parts, this can reduce the size and weight of the aerosol generating device.

Generally, the aerosol generating device may include a rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source may include any suitable type of rechargeable power source, such as a battery or a capacitor. The rechargeable power supply may include a lithium ion battery. The rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device may have a capacity sufficient for the aerosol generating device to deliver one or more user experiences. A user experience generally includes a series of inhalations obtained by the user from the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol forming matrix, and the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device. The number of puffs that constitute a typical user experience can be any suitable number. Generally, the number of puffs can be between two and twenty times, can be between four and twelve times, and can be about six or seven times. The rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device may have a capacity sufficient for the aerosol generating device to deliver any appropriate number of user experiences. The rechargeable power supply may have a capacity sufficient for the aerosol generating device to deliver one, two, three, four, five, or six user experiences.

Similarly, the charging unit may contain a power source. The power source of the charging unit may include any suitable type of power source, such as a battery or a capacitor. The power source of the charging unit may include a lithium ion battery. The first and second connector parts of the present invention allow power to be transferred between the power source of the charging unit and the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device to charge the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, this can extend the service life of the aerosol generating device. The power source of the charging unit may have a capacity sufficient to provide sufficient charge to the aerosol generating device to deliver multiple user experiences. The power supply of the charging unit may have a capacity sufficient to provide sufficient charge to the aerosol generating device to deliver any appropriate number of user experiences, such as between one and twenty user experiences, and between five and fifteen users Experience and about 10 user experiences. Advantageously, this allows the user to carry both the aerosol-generating device and the charging unit to use the aerosol-generating device for a long period of time, such as more than a day or a week, without connecting the aerosol-generating device to an external power source, such as mains electricity, To charge the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device.

Generally, the power source of the charging unit is rechargeable. The power source of the charging unit may have a larger capacity than the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device. The power source of the charging unit may have a larger volume than the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may be a handheld device. In other words, the aerosol generating device may have any size and shape suitable for being held in the user's hand. The aerosol generating device may have a size and shape similar to traditional cigarettes or cigars. The aerosol generating device may be portable. Usually, the charging unit is also portable. The charging unit may have any suitable size and shape. The charging unit may have a size and shape similar to a traditional pack of cigarettes. Providing a portable charging unit allows the user to carry the charging unit together with the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, this allows the rechargeable power supply of the aerosol generating device to be made smaller and lighter without sacrificing the operating life of the aerosol generating device. When the rechargeable power supply of the device runs out, it can be carried from the user The portable charging unit charges the aerosol generating device.

In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector parts may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device. This can advantageously allow software updates to be transferred from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, at least one of the other electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit data from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit. This allows the usage data to be transferred from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit. The usage data may include, for example, one or more of the power state of the rechargeable power source of the device, the number of times the device is used, the number of times the atomizer is used, and aerosol-forming substrate identification information.

In some embodiments, the first electrical contacts of the first and second connector parts may be configured to transmit power between the power source of the charging unit and the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device, the first and second connector parts One or more second electrical connectors may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device and at least one from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit, and the first and second connections One or more third electrical contacts of the device portion may be configured as a ground connection.

The electrical contacts can be made of any suitable conductive material. For example, electrical contacts can be made of metals such as copper or gold. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts can be made of the same material, while in other embodiments, the electrical contacts can be made of different materials.

Generally, the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector parts are electrically separated or isolated from each other. The electrical separation or isolation of the electrical contacts of each connector portion can be provided by electrically insulating materials disposed between adjacent electrical contacts. Electrical separation or isolation can be provided by spacing adjacent electrical contacts.

As used herein, "conductive" refers to a material having a resistance value of 1x10 ^-4 Ωm or less. As used herein, "electrically insulating" refers to a material having a resistance value of 1x10 ⁴ Ωm or greater.

The aerosol generating device may have any suitable size and shape.

The aerosol generating device may have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the aerosol generating device may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device has a substantially circular cross-section.

The aerosol generating device may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The aerosol generating device may have a substantially circular cross-section along its length. The device can be rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The device may have a rotational symmetry of greater than one order around its longitudinal axis. The device may be substantially axisymmetric to its longitudinal axis. In a specific embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be substantially circular and cylindrical.

The aerosol generating device may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. The aerosol generating device may be elongated. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device may have a shape, diameter, and length that are substantially similar to traditional cigarettes or cigars. The aerosol generating device may have a length between about 30 mm and about 150 mm or between about 50 mm and about 120 mm or between about 90 mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 30 mm or between about 10 mm and about 20 mm or about 15 mm.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to contain one or more of a cigarette case, an atomizer, and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may be configured to receive one or more of a cigarette case, an atomizer, and an aerosol generating article at a proximal end. The device may include a cavity containing one or more of a cigarette case, an atomizer, and an aerosol-generating article.

In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include an atomizer. In the case where the aerosol generating device includes an atomizer, the device may be configured to contain an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate or a cigarette case containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be configured to house a combination of an atomizer or atomizer and an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate or a cigarette case containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In the case where the device includes a cavity containing one or more of a cigarette case and an aerosol-generating article, the atomizer may be arranged in the cavity.

The device may include one of the first and second connector portions at the distal end of the device. The device may include one of the first and second connector portions on the distal face of the device. In other words, on the distal side of the device, relative to the mouth end, one of the first and second connector portions may be included. The distal face of the device may be substantially circular.

The aerosol generating device may include a housing. In a specific embodiment, the housing may be substantially circular and cylindrical. The housing may contain any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the material is both light and unbreakable.

The rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device can be placed in the housing. The housing may contain a cavity containing one or more of an aerosol-generating article and a cigarette case. The aerosol generating device may include an atomizer. The atomizer may be an electric heater. In the case where the device contains a cavity for containing an aerosol-generating article or a cigarette case, the atomizer may be arranged in the cavity.

The aerosol generating device may include an electrical circuit. The circuit may be configured to control power transmission from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device when the first and second connector parts are electrically joined. The circuit may be configured to control one or more data transfers from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device and from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit. The circuit may contain a microprocessor.

The charging unit may have any suitable size and shape.

The charging unit may have any suitably shaped cross-section. For example, the charging unit may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, diamond, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

The charging unit may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The charging unit may have a substantially rectangular cross-section along its length. In certain embodiments, the charging unit may be a substantially rectangular cuboid.

The charging unit may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may have a shape, diameter, and length substantially similar to a traditional pack of cigarettes. The charging unit has a length between about 50 mm and about 200 mm. The charging unit may have a diameter between about 10 mm and about 150 mm or between about 50 mm and about 100 mm.

The charging unit may have a cavity configured to receive the aerosol generating device. The cavity can be configured to house the distal end of the aerosol generating device. The cavity can be configured to house the entire aerosol generating device. The cavity of the charging unit may have any suitable size and shape for accommodating the aerosol generating device.

The cavity of the charging unit can have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the cavity may have a substantially circular, oval, triangular, square, diamond, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In a particular embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit may have a cross-section that is substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity. In some specific embodiments, the cavity has a substantially circular cross-section.

The cavity of the charging unit may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section along its length. The cavity may be substantially circular and cylindrical. The cavity can be substantially axisymmetric to its longitudinal axis.

The cavity of the charging unit may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length.

In certain embodiments, the cavity of the charging unit may have a diameter that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generating device.

The cavity of the charging unit may be elongated. The cavity may have a length smaller than that of the aerosol generating device, so that when the distal end of the aerosol generating device is accommodated in the cavity of the charging unit, the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol generating device exceeds the cavity. The cavity of the charging unit may have a length substantially equal to or slightly larger than the length of the aerosol generating device, so that substantially the entire length of the aerosol generating device is accommodated in the cavity of the charging unit. Advantageously, this allows the device to be completely enclosed within the cavity and allows the charging unit to protect the device from the external environment.

One of the first and second connector parts may be disposed in the cavity of the charging unit. This configuration can substantially shield or protect the connector part from the external environment. The cavity may have an open end. The open end allows the aerosol generating device to be inserted into and removed from the cavity. The cavity may have one closed end relative to the open end. The one of the first and second connector parts may be disposed at the closed end of the cavity of the charging unit.

In some specific embodiments, one of the first and second connector parts may be disposed on an end face of the distal end of the aerosol generating device, and the other of the first and second connector parts may be disposed on the charging unit One end face of the closed end of the cavity. In these specific embodiments, the distal end of the aerosol generating device may be inserted into the open end of the cavity of the charging unit, and the connector portion disposed on the distal face of the device may contact the closed end surface of the cavity of the charging unit Of the connector part to electrically connect the first and second connector parts.

In the case where the cavity of the aerosol generating device and the charging unit has a substantially circular cylindrical shape, the aerosol generating device can freely rotate around its longitudinal axis in the cavity. In these embodiments, the first and second connector portions enable the device to be inserted into the cavity at any angular position compared to the cavity of the charging unit, and rotate the aerosol generating device in the cavity without breaking The electrical connection between the first and second connector parts is opened.

The charging unit may include a housing. In certain embodiments, the housing may be a substantially rectangular cuboid. The housing may contain any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the material is both light and unbreakable.

In the case where the charging unit includes a cavity for accommodating the aerosol device, the housing may define the cavity. The charging unit may include means for closing the open end of the cavity, such as a lid pivotally connected to the housing.

In the case where the charging unit contains a power source, the power source may be placed in the housing. The charging unit may include means for connecting the charging unit to an external power source, such as mains electricity, to charge the power source of the charging unit.

The charging unit may include a circuit. The circuit may be configured to control power transmission from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device when the first and second connector parts are electrically joined. The circuit may be configured to control one or more data transfers from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device and from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit. The circuit may contain a microprocessor.

It is also conceivable that the first and second connector parts can be used as electrical connectors of electrical systems other than electrically operated aerosol generating systems. The electrical connector including the first and second connector parts may be particularly suitable for a system including a portable electrical device and a charging unit, wherein the portable electrical device includes one of the first and second connector parts while charging The unit includes the other of the first and second connector parts.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector including the first and second connector portions of the first aspect of the present invention.

In detail, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector including a first connector portion and a second connector portion that is electrically connected to the first connector portion in a releasable manner. The first connector portion includes: a plurality of electrical contacts; and a first magnetic element. The second connector portion includes: a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is an elastic contact that can be actuated between the extended position and the depressed position and biased to return to the extended position ; And the second magnetic element. The first and second connector portions may be positioned at the first connection position, wherein: the at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is in the extended position; the first connector portion is configured to contact the at least one elastic contact; The first and second magnetic elements magnetically attract each other, and the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the force required to move the at least one elastic contact from the extended position to the depressed position.

Any features described above with respect to the first aspect also apply to the second aspect.

40‧‧‧First connector

43‧‧‧First electrical contact

44‧‧‧The second electrical contact

45‧‧‧The third electrical contact

46‧‧‧Circular plane

48‧‧‧recess

50‧‧‧Second Connector Department

53‧‧‧First electrical contact

54‧‧‧Second electric contact

55‧‧‧The third electrical contact

56‧‧‧Circular plane

58‧‧‧Projection

59‧‧‧Second magnetic element

100‧‧‧Aerosol generating system

101‧‧‧Aerosol generating device

103‧‧‧Charging unit

104‧‧‧ Cavity

105‧‧‧ battery

106‧‧‧ Circuit

201‧‧‧Aerosol generating device

204‧‧‧ Cavity

210‧‧‧The first magnetic element

220‧‧‧Second magnetic element

222, 223‧‧‧ Ferromagnetic material ring

224‧‧‧Cylindrical channel

225, 226‧‧‧ magnet

240‧‧‧First connector

250‧‧‧Second Connector Department

258‧‧‧recess

201'‧‧‧Aerosol generating device

204'‧‧‧cavity

210'‧‧‧The first magnetic element

220'‧‧‧Second magnetic element

225', 226'‧‧‧ permanent magnet

240'‧‧‧First Connector Department

250'‧‧‧Second Connector Department

220"‧‧‧Second magnetic element

225", 226" ‧‧‧ permanent magnet

The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first connector portion of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 shows a first connector portion of FIG. 1 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the second connector portion of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second connector portion is compatible with the first connector portion of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 A perspective view showing the second connector part of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the aerosol generating system of the electric manipulator, which includes an aerosol generating device including the first connector part of FIGS. 1 and 2, which It is housed in the charging unit including the second connector part of FIGS. 3 and 4; FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a magnetic holding structure compatible with the second connector part of FIGS. 3 and 4; FIG. 7 shows the 6 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic holding structure; FIG. 8 shows an electrically operated aerosol generating system, which includes an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and the magnetic holding means of FIGS. 6 and 7; FIG. 9 shows and A perspective view of another embodiment of the magnetic retention structure compatible with the second connector portion of FIGS. 3 and 4; FIG. 10 shows a front view of one of the magnets of the configuration of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 shows an electrically operated An aerosol generating system including an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and the magnetic retention means of FIGS. 9 and 10; FIG. 12 shows a side view of the electrical connector of FIG. 11 in the first connection position; Fig. 13 shows a side view of the electrical connector of Fig. 11 in the second connection position; Fig. 14 shows another embodiment of the magnetic holding structure compatible with the second connector portion of Figs. 3 and 4 Perspective view; and Figure 15 shows a front view of one of the magnets of the configuration of Figure 12.

1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of the first connector part 40 of the electrically operated aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first connector portion 40 is arranged on the distal end surface of the aerosol generating device (not shown). The first connector portion 40 includes three electrical contacts, a first electrical contact 43, a second electrical contact 44, and a third electrical contact 45.

The first connector portion 40 includes a circular flat surface 46 having a recess 48 at the center of the surface. The recess 48 has a circular cylindrical shape and has an open end at the face 46, an opposite closed end, and a tubular side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. The closed end surface of the recess is circular and is located on a plane that is substantially horizontal to the plane of the surface 46. The circular surface 46 has a diameter of about 10 mm and the recess 48 has a diameter of about 4 mm and a depth of about 4 mm.

The first electrical contact 43 is circular and extends substantially above the closed end surface of the recess 48. The outer edge of the first electrical contact 43 is defined by the side wall of the recess 48, so the diameter of the first electrical contact is the same as the diameter of the recess. The second electrical contact 44 is tubular and extends substantially above the tubular sidewall of the recess 48. The second electrical contact 44 has a thickness of about 0.1 mm, so that the arrangement of the second electrical contact 44 in the recess 48 does not significantly reduce the diameter of the recess 48. The second electrical contact 44 has a width of about 3.8 mm and is provided in the recess 48 so that the second electrical contact 44 does not extend to the closed end surface of the recess 48. This setting ensures that the second electrical contact 44 does not contact the first electrical contact 44. The third electrical contact 45 is ring-shaped and extends substantially above the surface 46. The third electrical contact 45 has an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 4.6 mm, so that the third electrical contact 45 does not contact the second electrical contact 44. In this configuration, the first, second, and third electrical contacts 43, 44, 45 are all electrically isolated from each other.

The first and third electrical contacts 43 and 45 are on different but parallel planes, and the second electrical contact 44 extends on the cylindrical surface and is perpendicular to the plane of the first and third electrical contacts 43 and 45.

In this embodiment, the first electrical contact is formed with copper alloy, the second electrical contact is formed with SS304 stainless steel, and the third electrical contact 45 is formed with SS430 stainless steel.

An advantage of the arrangement of the electrical contacts 43, 44, 45 of the first connector portion 40 is that the electrical contacts have a circular rotational symmetry around an axis that passes through the center of the first contact 43 and is in contact with the first electrical contact The plane of point 43 is perpendicular. This allows the first connector portion 43 to be connected to the second connector portion in any rotational orientation about the axis and presents a uniform contact configuration to the second connector portion. Therefore, the first connector portion 43 can be connected to the second connector portion in any orientation of the first connector portion 43 about the axis of the first connector portion 43 relative to the second connector portion.

3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of the second connector part 50 of the electrically operated aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second connector portion 50 is arranged on the closed end surface of the cavity of the charging unit (not shown). The second connector portion 50 includes four electrical contacts, a first electrical contact 53, a second electrical contact 54, and two third electrical contacts 55.

The second connector portion 50 includes a circular flat surface 56 having a protrusion 58 located at the center of the surface. The protrusion 58 extends outward from the surface 56 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the surface 56. The protrusion 58 is substantially circular and cylindrical, and includes an end face and a tubular side wall extending between the face 56 and the open end face of the protrusion 58. The end surface of the protrusion 58 is circular and lies on a plane horizontal to the plane of the surface 56. The protrusion has substantially the same shape as the recess 48 of the first connector portion 40, has a height of about 3 mm and has a maximum diameter slightly smaller than the recess 48 of about 3.3 mm, so that the protrusion 58 of the second connector portion 50 It can fit tightly in the recess 48 of the first connector part 40. The diameter or width of the protrusion 58 decreases toward the end surface of the protrusion, so that the interface between the end surface of the protrusion 58 and the side wall is a slanted surface, so that the protrusion 58 is positioned within the recess 48 of the first connector portion 40.

The first electrical contact 53 is an elastic pin type contact or a “single pin spring pin type” contact arranged on the end surface of the protrusion 58. The first electrical contact 53 extends outward from the end surface of the protrusion 58 in the same direction as the protrusion. The second electrical contact 54 is a leaf spring arranged on the side wall of the protrusion 58. The second electrical contact 54 extends radially outward from the side wall of the protrusion 58 in a direction perpendicular to the side wall and parallel to the plane 56 by a maximum distance of about 0.3 mm. The two third electrical contacts 55 are single-pin spring pin-type contacts similar to the first electrical contacts 53. The two third electrical contacts 55 extend outward from the surface 56 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 56 and parallel to the first electrical contact 53.

The two third electrical contacts 55 are spaced radially outward from the first electrical contact 53 in opposite directions, so that the first electrical contact 53 and the two third electrical contacts 55 are arranged in a line. The two third electrical contacts 55 are separated from the first electrical contact 53 by an equal distance, and the measurement is about 2.75 mm from the central axis of the contact. The distance between the third electrical contact 54 and the first electrical contact 53 of the second connector portion 50 is greater than the diameter of the protrusion 58.

In this embodiment, the single-pin spring pin contacts 53 and 55 are formed of brass, and the leaf spring contact 54 is formed of SS301 stainless steel.

The single-pin spring-pin contacts 53 and 55 generally extend about 1 mm above the surface of the second connector portion 50 when not pressed, and about 0.5 mm above the surface where they extend when fully pressed .

The first and second connector parts 40 and 50 include magnetic retention means. The magnetic retention means includes a first magnetic element in the form of a third electrical contact 45 of the first connector portion 40, which includes a ferromagnetic metal ring or tape. The magnetic holding means further includes a second magnetic element 59 including an arc of a pair of ferromagnetic elements, which is disposed on the opposite side of the electrical contact of the second connector portion 50. The second magnetic element 59 is electrically isolated from the electrical contacts of the second connector portion 50.

In this embodiment, the third electrical contact 45 (ie, the first magnetic element) of the first connector portion 40 is formed of ferromagnetic stainless steel (for example, SS430 stainless steel), and the first alloy element 45 is formed of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. Two magnetic elements 59, the alloy is magnetized to form a permanent magnet.

When the first connector portion 40 moves to the vicinity of the first connector portion 50, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements attracts the first and second connector portions together, compressing the second connector portion 50 The single-pin spring-pin contacts 53 and 55 electrically connect the electrical contacts of each connector portion. The magnetic holding means helps to hold the first and second connector parts in electrical engagement.

It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be formed of self-replaceable materials and may be configured in different positions. For example, the first magnetic element may be disposed behind the electrical contact of the first connector portion 40, formed under the third electrical contact 45 and surrounding the recess 48 of the ferromagnetic material ring.

It should also be understood that in other embodiments the first magnetic element may include a magnetized material and the second magnetic element may include an unmagnetized magnetic material. In other embodiments, both the first and second magnetic elements may include magnetized magnetic materials.

FIG. 5 shows the first and second connector parts 40 and 50 in the aerosol generating system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The aerosol generating system 100 includes an aerosol generating device 101 having a first connector portion 40 disposed on a distal surface. The aerosol generating system 100 further includes a charging unit 103 that includes a cavity 104 for receiving the distal end of the aerosol generating device 101. The cavity 104 includes a second connector portion 50 with a closed end surface. The charging unit 103 further includes a battery 105 and a circuit 106 placed in the housing. The housing defines a circular cylindrical cavity 104.

By inserting the distal end of the aerosol generating device 101 into the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103, the first connector portion 40 and the first connector portion 50 can be brought into electrical engagement. The aerosol generating device 101 is circular cylindrical and the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103 is also circular cylindrical and has a diameter slightly larger than that of the aerosol generating device 101. Inserting the distal end of the aerosol generating device 101 into the cavity 104 will align the face 46 of the first connector portion 40 with the face 56 of the second connector portion 50. Aligning the surfaces 46 and 56 of the first and second connector portions 40 and 50 will also cause the concave portion 48 and the protruding portion 58 of the first and second connector portions 40 and 50, the first electrical contacts 43 and 53, and the first The second electrical contacts 44 and 54 and the third electrical contacts 45 and 55 are aligned. Accordingly, when the first connector portion 40 and the second connector portion 50 are brought into contact, the protruding portion 58 is received in the concave portion 48, the first electrical contacts 43 and 53 are electrically joined, and the second electrical contacts 44 and 54 Electrically joined, and the third electrical contacts 45 and 55 are electrically joined.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show an embodiment of the magnetic holding means for releasably holding the gas of the present invention when the aerosol generating device 201 of the system is housed in the cavity 204 of the charging unit of the system The electrical connection between the first and second connector parts of the sol generation system. The magnetic retention means includes a first magnetic element 210 at the distal end of the aerosol generating device 201 and a second magnetic element at the closed end of the cavity 204.

The aerosol generating device 201 includes a first connector 240 on the distal surface. In this embodiment, the first magnetic element 210 does not form the third electrical contact of the first connector portion 240. The first magnetic element 210 includes a ring of ferromagnetic material, which is disposed at the proximal end of the first connector portion 250 of the device 201. The ring surrounds the recess 258 of the first connector part 250 and is electrically isolated from the first connector part 240.

The cavity 204 of the charging unit includes a second connector portion 250 with a closed end surface. The second magnetic element 220 includes a tubular magnetic structure, as shown in detail in Figures 6 and 7. The second magnetic element 220 is disposed below the second connector part 250 and is electrically isolated from the second connector part 250.

6 and 7 show schematic diagrams of the second magnetic element 220. The second magnetic element 220 generally includes two rings 222 and 223 of ferromagnetic material, which are aligned to provide an unblocked cylindrical channel 204 passing through the rings 222 and 223. The rings 222,223 are spaced apart along the axis of the cylindrical channel and are separated by two permanent magnets 225,226.

The two permanent magnets 225 and 226 are the same as each other. Each of the permanent magnets includes a half arc, which has a radius equal to the radius of the rings 222 and 223. The permanent magnets 225 and 226 are arranged to substantially surround the cylindrical channel 224 on opposite sides of the central channel. The magnetic north and south poles of the permanent magnets 225 and 226 are oriented in the same direction, as shown by the letters "N" and "S" in Figure 7.

Each magnet 225 and 226 has opposite sides and a body extending between the opposite sides. The body of each magnet 225 and 226 has an arcuate upper side extending between the ends and an opposing arcuate lower side. Each magnet 225 and 226 has a single magnetic north pole on one of the upper and lower sides and a single magnetic south pole on the opposite side of the upper and lower sides. In this embodiment, the magnetic north poles of the magnets 225 and 226 are arranged on the upper side of the magnet adjacent to the top ring 222, and the magnetic south poles of the magnets 225 and 226 are arranged on the lower side of the magnet adjacent to the bottom ring 223. In this configuration, the second magnetic element 220 forms a substantially tubular permanent magnet.

The second magnetic element 220 is disposed at the closed end of the cavity 204 below the second connector portion 250 in the charging unit. The central channel 223 of the second magnetic element 220 is aligned with the protruding portion 258 of the second connector portion 250, so that the electrical connector connects the first and second electrical contacts of the second connector portion 250 (arranged in the protruding portion 258 (Top) The circuit connected to the charging unit.

The magnetic north and south poles of the second magnetic element 220 are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cavity 204. When the first connector part 240 moves into the cavity and near the second connector part 250, the second magnetic element 220 magnetizes the first magnetic element 210 in the aerosol generating device, and the first magnetic element 210 and the second The magnetic attraction force between the two magnetic elements 220 will draw the aerosol generating device along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 204 toward the second connector portion 250 and the second magnetic element 220 at the closed end. This action promotes the electrical connection of the first and second connector portions 240 and 250.

When the first and second connector parts 240 and 250 are electrically joined, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements 210 and 220 will hold the first and second connector parts 240 and 250 together in a releasable manner In electrical bonding. In other words, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements resists the separation of the first and second connector parts 240 and 250 in the longitudinal direction of the cavity 204. As such, additional force is required to separate the first and second connector parts 240 and 250.

Figures 9, 10, and 11 show another embodiment of the magnetic retention means, which is used to retain the gas in a releasable manner when the aerosol generating device 201' of the system is housed in the cavity 204' of the charging unit of the system The electrical connection between the first and second connector parts 240' and 250' of the sol generation system. The magnetic retention means includes a first magnetic element 210' located at the distal end of the aerosol generating device 201' and a second magnetic element 220' located at the closed end of the cavity 204.

The aerosol generating device 201' includes a first connector portion 240' on the distal surface. In this embodiment, the third electrical contact of the first connector portion 240' includes the first magnetic element 210', and therefore, the first magnetic element 210' includes the ferromagnetic material surrounding the recess of the first connector portion 240' ring.

The cavity 204' of the charging unit includes a second connector portion 250' at a closed end surface of the cavity. The second magnetic element 220' includes two arc-shaped permanent magnets 225' and 226', as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The two permanent magnets 225' and 226' are arc-shaped and have the same curvature as the third electrical contact of the first connector portion 210'. The permanent magnets 225' and 226' are disposed on opposite sides of the second connector part 250' and are electrically isolated from the second connector part 250'. The permanent magnets 225' and 226' are configured to laterally bend around the cylindrical channel 224' on opposite sides and substantially surround the cylindrical channel 224'. The permanent magnets 225' and 226' are also laterally spaced apart, so that the permanent magnets 225' and 226' are arranged on the opposite side of the third electrical contact of the second connector portion 250', wherein the third electrical contact is disposed thereon between.

As shown in FIG. 11, the permanent magnets 225' and 226' extend above the surface of the second connector portion 250'. An arcuate upper surface of the permanent magnets 225' and 226' is arranged so that when the single-pin spring pin contact is in its compressed position, it is slightly lower than one of the tops of the third electric contact single-pin spring pin. In this configuration, when the device 201' is disposed in the cavity 204' and the first connector portion 240' contacts the second connector portion 250, the first magnetic element 210' of the device 201' is disposed adjacent to the recess of the charging unit The second magnetic element 220' of 204'.

Each magnet 225' and 226' has a single magnetic north pole on one of the upper and lower sides and a single magnetic south pole on the opposite of the upper and lower sides. As shown for the magnet 225' in FIG. 10, when each magnet is viewed from the front, looking at the opposite end faces of the arc-shaped magnet, both end faces of the magnet have magnetic north and south poles oriented in the same direction.

The magnetic north and south poles of the permanent magnets 225' and 226' are oriented in opposite directions, as shown by the letters "N" and "S" in Figure 10. The magnetic north pole of the magnet 225' and the magnetic south pole of the magnet 226' are configured to extend from the surface of the second connector part 250' through the direction of the central passage of the magnet. In this configuration, when the device 201' is disposed in the cavity 204' and the first and second connector portions 240' and 250' are engaged, the magnetic north pole of the magnet 225' and the magnetic south pole of the magnet 226' are arranged adjacent to the first A magnetic element 210'. In this configuration, the permanent magnet 225', the first magnetic element 210', and the permanent magnet 226' form a magnetic circuit.

The magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 210' and the second magnetic element 220' draws the aerosol generating device along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 204' toward the second connector portion 250' and the second magnetic element 220' at the closed end . As in the previous embodiment, this action facilitates the electrical connection of the first and second connector portions 240' and 250'.

FIG. 12 shows the first connector part 240' and the second connector part 250' in the first connection position. In the first connection position, the first and second connector portions 240' and 250' are electrically joined. In other words, in the first connection position, the first electrical contact of the connector portion is engaged, the second electrical contact of the connector portion is engaged, and the third electrical contact of the connector portion is engaged. In the first connection position, the first elastic pin-type contact (not shown) and the third elastic pin-type contact of the second connector portion are in their extended positions. In the first connection position, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic element 210' and the second magnetic element 220' is greater than the force required to press down the first and second elastic pin-type contacts of the second connector portion And the friction between the device and the charging unit. Therefore, the first and second connector parts 240' and 250' are attracted together by magnetic attraction. When the user moves the device into the cavity of the charging unit, when the first connector part abuts the elastic pin-type contact, the additional resistance at the first connection position will not be felt through the first connection position. The magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements 210' and 220' effectively masks the biasing force exerted by the elastic pin-type contact on the device. In this embodiment, when the first and second connector parts 240' and 250' are in the first connection position, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element 210' and 220' are separated by about 0.5 mm.

FIG. 13 shows the first connector part 240' and the second connector part 250' in the second connection position. In the second connection position, the first and second connector portions 240' and 250' are also electrically joined. In the second connection position, the first elastic pin-type contact (not shown) and the third elastic pin-type contact of the second connector portion are in their depressed positions. In the second connection position, the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic element 210' and the second magnetic element 220' is greater than the elastic pin-type contact of the second connector portion 250' applied to the first connector portion 240' The combination of the above biasing force and the weight of the aerosol generating device allows the charging unit and device to be turned upside down while the aerosol generating device can still be held in the second connection position by magnetic attraction. In this embodiment, a small gap is provided between the first and second magnetic elements in the second connection position. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the first and second magnetic elements may directly contact in the second coupling position.

Figures 14 and 15 show an alternative embodiment of the second magnetic element of the magnetic holding means of Figures 9, 10 and 11 described above. The second magnetic element 220" of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes two arc-shaped permanent magnets 225" and 226", which are the same as the permanent magnets 225' and 226' of FIGS. 9 and 10. The permanent magnets The difference between 225" and 226" and permanent magnets 225' and 226' lies in the configuration of magnetic north and south poles.

Each of the upper and lower sides of the permanent magnets 225" and 226" has a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole. For each magnet 225" and 226", the upper magnetic north pole is arranged at the opposite end of the lower magnetic north pole. Similarly, the upper magnetic south pole is arranged at the opposite end of the lower magnetic south pole. In other words, each end face of each magnet 225" and 226" has magnetic north and south poles in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 14 for the magnet 225", in this configuration, when viewing each magnet from the front and looking at both end surfaces of the arc-shaped magnet, the end surfaces have magnetic north and south poles oriented in opposite directions. In other words, the magnetic north pole is arranged diagonally opposite to the magnet, and the magnetic south pole is arranged diagonally opposite to the magnet.

The permanent magnets 225" and 226" are arranged around the second connector portion (not shown) in a similar manner to the magnets 225' and 226' described previously for the embodiment shown in FIG. When the magnets 225" and 226" are arranged around the second connector portion, the magnetic north pole of the magnet 225" is arranged to abut the magnetic north pole of the second magnet 226", and the magnetic south pole of the magnet 225" is arranged to abut the second magnet 226" The magnetic south pole is shown in Figure 12. In this configuration, when the first magnetic element is disposed beside the arc-shaped upper surfaces of the magnets 225" and 226", the magnets 225" and 226" and the first magnetic element are formed to replace the previous ones regarding FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. The alternative magnetic circuit of the path described in the embodiment.

It can be understood that in other embodiments, the permanent magnet of the second magnetic element may have magnetic north and south poles oriented in opposite directions. It can be understood that in embodiments where the second magnetic element includes more than one permanent magnet, the magnetic north and south poles of the magnet may be oriented in an alternative configuration. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first magnetic element of the aerosol generating device may include one or more permanent magnets.

It can be understood that the features described with respect to one embodiment or aspect of the present invention can be applied to other embodiments or aspects of the present invention.

201'‧‧‧Aerosol generating device

204'‧‧‧cavity

210'‧‧‧The first magnetic element

220'‧‧‧Second magnetic element

240'‧‧‧First Connector Department

250'‧‧‧Second Connector Department

Claims (18)

An aerosol generating system includes: an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device includes a rechargeable power supply; a charging unit, which can Electrically connected to the aerosol generating device to supply power to the aerosol generating device to charge the rechargeable power source; and an electrical connector including: a first connector portion including: a plurality of electrical contacts; And a first magnetic element; and a second connector portion, which is electrically connected to the first connector portion in a releasable manner, the second connector portion includes: a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts At least one of the points is an elastic contact that can be actuated between an extended position and a depressed position and biased to the extended position; and a second magnetic element, wherein: the aerosol generating device includes the first One of the first and second connector parts and the charging unit includes the other of the first and second connector parts; and the first and second connector parts can be positioned in a first connection position, wherein : The at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is in the extended position; the first connector portion is configured to contact the at least one elastic contact; the first and second magnetic elements magnetically attract each other, and the The magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the force required to move the at least one elastic contact from the extended position to the depressed position. The aerosol generating system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first and second connector parts are in the first coupling position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is at least It is 0.15 Newton. The aerosol generating system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first and second connector parts are in the first connection position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements Between about 0.2 Newton and about 10 Newton. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein the travel length of the at least one elastic contact between the extended position and the depressed position is between about 0.3 mm and about 0.7 mm. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein the first and second connector parts can be further positioned in a second connecting position, wherein: the plurality of the first connector parts At least one of the electrical contacts is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the second connector portion; the first and second magnetic elements magnetically attract each other; and the at least one elastic contact of the second connector Click in this depressed position. The aerosol generating system as described in item 5 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first and second connector parts are positioned in the second connecting position: the at least one elastic contact pair in the depressed position The first connector portion applies a biasing force; and the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the biasing force applied to the first connector portion by the at least one elastic contact. The aerosol generating system as described in item 5 or 6 of the patent application scope, wherein when the first and second connector parts are in the second connection position, the magnetic field between the first and second magnetic elements Suction is at least 1 Newton. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein when the first and second connector parts are in the second connection position, the The magnetic attraction force is between about 1.5 Newton and about 4 Newton. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector portion is formed by the first magnetic element. The aerosol generating system as described in any of the foregoing patent applications, wherein the first magnetic element includes a permanent magnet. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein: the first connector portion includes: a face and a recess substantially disposed in the center of the face, the recess has a closed end, An open end of the face and a side wall extending between the open end and the closed end; a first one of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed at the closed end of the recess; and disposed at the side wall of the recess and A second one of the plurality of electrical contacts substantially surrounding the first electrical contact; and a third one of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the surface and substantially surrounding the first electrical contact; And the second connector portion includes: a surface and a protruding portion arranged substantially in the center of the surface, the protruding portion having an end surface and a side wall extending between the surface and the end surface of the protruding portion; A first one of the plurality of electrical contacts on the end face of the protrusion; a second one of the plurality of electrical contacts on the at least one side wall of the protrusion; and the one disposed on the face A third one of the plurality of electrical contacts, the third one of the plurality of electrical contacts is a flexible pin type contact. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein when the first and second connector parts are in the second connecting position, the magnetic field between the first and second magnetic elements The suction force is greater than the weight of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein: the aerosol generating device is included in the first or second connector portion at a distal end of the device; and the charging unit includes A cavity of at least one distal portion of the aerosol generating device, the other of the first and second connector portions is disposed at a distal end of the cavity; and when the distal end of the aerosol generating device When housed in the distal end of the cavity of the charging unit, the first and second connector portions can be positioned in the second connection position. The aerosol generating system as described in item 13 of the patent application range, wherein the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the aerosol generating when the first and second contacts are in the first connection position The combination of the frictional force between the device and the cavity of the charging unit and the biasing force required to actuate the at least one elastic contact between the extended position and the depressed position. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein the aerosol generating device includes the first connector portion and the charging unit includes the second connector portion. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein: one of the first and second magnetic elements includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet spaced apart from the first permanent magnet ; And the magnetic north and south poles of the first permanent magnet and the magnetic north and south poles of the second permanent magnet are arranged in opposite directions. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: the second magnetic element of the second connector portion includes two permanent magnets, each permanent magnet having: extending between two A body between two opposite ends; a first end having magnetic north and south poles containing a first direction; and a second end having magnetic north and south poles having a second direction opposite to the first direction; and The two permanent magnets are arranged in the second connector part, so that each of the permanent magnets receives magnetic repulsion from the other permanent magnet. The aerosol generating system according to any one of the aforementioned patent applications, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector portion are circularly symmetrical about an axis of the first connector portion, and the first connection The plurality of electrical contacts of the connector portion and the plurality of electrical contacts of the second connector portion may surround the axis of the first connector portion relative to the second connector portion at the first connector portion Any directional electrical connection.

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